Intramural sports emerging as social tool on campus

Damion Butler

The third week of the fall semester has officially kicked off. Some students are loving it, some are overwhelmed, but the great thing about college is that you do not have to be lonely. The student Recreation and Wellness Center is an essential tool used to socialize, make new friends, play numerous sports that help compensate for high stress levels and extend friendships on campus. Not only do you get to establish lifelong friendships, but you can stay fit and have fun doing it.

“Majority of students have already came from a background where they have played sports in high school. This is an opportunity for them to maintain connectivity through college,” said John Cummings, Associate Director of Student Recreation Center. Cummings has been working extremely hard to implement new ideas to the intramural activities on campus. The biggest change this semester is “bubble soccer,” which will begin Sept. 13, but registration is due by Sept.9. Basketball, soccer, tennis and guitar hero are still open for registration.

“What we want to do is increase the participation of female body count. Most of our sports are dominated by males. We are focused on more than just the physical dimensions of wellness,” said Cummings. Participating in intramural sports can improve leadership skills, good sportsmanship, self-confidence and reduce stress levels. It is a way to escape the life of long readings and endless math equations. School is challenging, do not make it even more challenging by being anti-social and less active. Group exercises are available that are good for team building and building sportsmanship. You can use intramural sports to help you transition these skills to the real world and to enable you to be successful in your career field.

The REC is open Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 11p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

Sources: John Cummings, 785-670-1314, [email protected]